Wisconsin is home to 15,000 lakes and many rivers. These water bodies are crucial to ecosystems that support diverse wildlife, provide recreational opportunities, and contribute to the state’s economy. However, maintaining the health of these aquatic systems requires intentional care and collaboration. That’s where
the Wisconsin Healthy Lakes andRivers Initiative steps in—a program designed to protect and restore these valuable resources. Wisconsin healthy lakes and rivers is a statewide program that helps improve water
quality, enhance habitat, and reduce runoff pollution. It was started in 2014 and it is a
partnership between the WI DNR, local governments, lake associations, and individual property
owners. The program focuses on 5 key best practices that can be implemented on waterfront
properties to protect and restore the natural environment. These practices are meant to be
cost-effective, low maintenance, and impactful. The 5 different practices include fish sticks,
native plantings, rain gardens, diversion practices, and rock infiltration. Fish sticks involve
placing large woody debris, such as tree trunks and branches into the waters near the shoreline
providing habitat for the aquatic ecosystem. Native plantings replace traditional lawns along
shorelines with native plants helping with runoff, preventing erosion, and habitat for pollinators
and wildlife. Rain gardens are shallow, landscaped depressions designed to capture and
infiltrate stormwater runoff, filter pollutants, and reduce flooding. Diversion practices are
structures like berms and trenches that redirect stormwater away from lakes and rivers and into
more vegetated areas where it can soak into the ground. Rock infiltration is the practice of
installing rock filled trenches or pits near driveways and rooftops to help capture and infiltrate
runoff, this practice is effective for managing water from impervious surfaces. Moreover, these
practices benefit not only the environment but also the people who live near or visit these water
bodies. Cleaner water means better fishing, safer swimming, and more enjoyable recreational
opportunities. Healthy shorelines also enhance property values and contribute to the overall
beauty of Wisconsin’s landscapes. The Wisconsin Healthy Lakes and Rivers Initiative provides
resources, funding, and technical support to help individuals and communities implement these
practices. We here in this department are going to start facilitating these projects between
riparian landowners and this grant opportunity. The grants are $1,000 for each practice with a
25% match of the project costs, making it easier for property owners to take action. If you or
someone you know would be interested in this program you can reach out to the Forest County
Land & Water department to help assist you with any questions or help you get started with the
process. Otherwise, you can check out the Wisconsin Healthy Lakes and Rivers webpage at https://healthylakeswi.com
Conservation Corner is a weekly article produced by the Forest County Land Conservation and
Land Information Department. For more information contact Lucas O’Brien, Forest County Land
Conservation Technician at 715-478-1387 or by e-mail at